All Water Guides

Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide Service in Central Texas

512-571-3073

2020 Orvis Guide of the Year Finalist

2016 Orvis Guide of the Year Finalist

2015 Orvis Guide Service of the Year Finalist

Filtering by Tag: Guadalupe Bass

It's Hot Out There But So Is The Fishing

July 29, 2019  /  Alvin Dedeaux

In spite of the summer temperatures settling in, the fishing has been great. The key to success , not to mention comfort, is to get an early start. We have been starting most of our trips at just after sunrise. Temperatures are pleasant up until 11 :00 or noon most days. We do have a couple of options for full day trips for folks who are acclimated to the heat. Check out this AWG blog post from 2014 for some tips to dealing with the Texas summer heat.

An added bonus of the early starts are topwater fishing. On most of our recent trips topwater has been the most productive method. The bass usually go deeper once the temps start to climb.

Right now we actually have multiple options for float trips on several different rivers. The San Marcos, Colorado and the Upper Guadalupe Rivers have all been fishing well. The San Marcos is best on an early morning half day to beat the heat and the tubers. The Upper Guadalupe is a longer stretch so it is a full day float only; and since it is flow dependent, fishing there may not be an option as flows drop later in the summer. The Colorado River below Austin has been very good lately and as flows drop the water conditions will improve on the lower sections of the river opening up many more miles of seldom fished water. Check out some recent photos below to see what we have been catching. Hope to see you on the water soon.

Comment
categories / Fly fishing, Fishing Reports
tags / fly fishing, fresh water fly fishing, San Marcos River, Colorado River Texas, Guadalupe River, Guadalupe Bass

Colorado River 7-13-19 Fly Fishing Report

July 15, 2019  /  Alvin Dedeaux

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports, Fly fishing
tags / fly fishing, fresh water fly fishing, bass fishing, Bass on the fly, Guadalupe Bass, Large Mouth Bass

Don't be an April Fool, Get out on the Water Soon

April 01, 2019  /  Alvin Dedeaux

Spring is here in central Texas! While the weather can still be unpredictable, for the most part the cold days are behind us. Texas cold that is. As the days get longer and the temperatures start to climb into the 80s everything starts to get a lot more frisky. Especially the fish in our local waters. Fishing on the Colorado River has been good for a while. White Bass, freshwater drum, Guadalupe Bass, Largemouth Bass, and even a few Buffalo have all been caught on the Colorado in the last couple of weeks. A few folks have been lucky enough to catch some bass on top. As the water temperatures continue to rise topwater fishing will turn on more.

Because of the higher flows this winter on the Guadalupe River, trout fishing continues to be good. Fishing should continue for at least the next few weeks. Early morning half day trips will be the best bet as temperature rise. Trout fishing will start to tail off as the recreational (tubing) traffic increases. All in all this year has been one of the best seasons on the Guadalupe in years.

Coastal fishing can be pretty awesome this time of year as well. The spring is known for windy days down on the coast, but if you are flexible with your fishing days you can have an amazing time in the salt in the spring. Redfish get pretty frisky when the water starts to warm in the spring. Just keep an eye on the weather and be ready when the wind dies down.

So now that you know what’s going on out there, grab your gear and hit the water. No April fooling around here. Spring in Texas is the real deal.

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports, Fly fishing
tags / Guadalupe Bass, Guadalupe River, Colorado River Texas, San Marcos River

Colorado River Fishing Report 3-22-19

March 22, 2019  /  Alvin Dedeaux

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports, Fly fishing
tags / fly fishing, fresh water fly fishing, Colorado River Texas, Bass on the fly, white bass, Guadalupe Bass

looking Good For 2019

January 16, 2019  /  Alvin Dedeaux

2019 is off to a good start. Trout fishing on the Guadalupe River has been great. Although higher flows have made wade fishing pretty tough , float fishing has been good, and the trout really do much better with more water in the river. An additional benefit of the higher flows is a longer season. Trout fishing on the Guadalupe should be good well into the spring this year.

Bass fishing is usually slow this time of year but we have still been having some luck on the warmer days. Good flows on the San Marcos and Llano Rivers should give us some great bass fishing once things warm up a bit. The Colorado River has been high all winter, but with dropping lake levels the flows should return to normal in the coming weeks. Most of the largest Guadalupe and Largemouth bass are caught during the late winter and early spring on the Colorado River.

Higher winter flows on our local rivers mean good runs of white bass in the late winter and early spring. The Llano, Pedernales, San Gabriel, and the upper Colorado should all be good this year. White bass runs on the lower Colorado have been getting more consistent as well.

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports
tags / fly fishing, fresh water fly fishing, Texas Trout Fishing, Rainbow Trout, Guadalupe river trout, Bass on the fly, Guadalupe River, Guadalupe Bass, white bass, Guadalupe fishing report

Winter is here!

January 23, 2018  /  Alvin Dedeaux

 

Winter in central Texas is never a dull time of year. Monday's high can be in the 20s and it can be in the 70s by the weekend. Our fishing this time of year can be just as varied. Here are a few options for winter fishing in central Texas.

Guadalupe River trout fishing. The Guadalupe River is the southernmost trout stream in the lower 48. The Guadalupe River chapter of Trout Unlimited (GRTU) is the largest chapter in the nation. GRTU and Texas Parks and Wildlife stock the Guadalupe River from December through February.  Most of the trout will average 12 to 14 inches but there are quite a few fish in the 18 to 20 inch range as well. The guadalupe River is a very popular destination this time of year so fish during the week or when the weather is nasty to avoid the crowds. 

Colorado River bass fishing. Even though bass fishing can be slow during colder weather, that doesn't usually last long in central Texas. Two or three warm day is usually enough to get the fish moving. Bass fishing this time of year can be very rewarding. The current world record Guadalupe Bass was caught by one of our clients in February. Several of  us have caught bass in the 7 to 8 pound range this time of year as well. Other possibilities this time of year are large white bass, crappie and freshwater drum. You might also have a chance to see a bald Eagle, an otter or a beaver on the Colorado.The Colorado River is never crowded, especially this time of year.

The White Bass run. Central Texas has several great rivers with late winter early spring White Bass spawning runs. Although timing the run can sometimes be tricky, it is well worth the effort when you hit it right. It can literally be a fish on every cast. This year we will be running jet boat trips for white bass on the Llano River above Lake LBJ and the Pedernales River above Lake Travis. Other rivers may be added depending on water and fishing conditions.

 

 
Comment
categories / Fly fishing, Fishing Reports
tags / Fly Fishing, Guadalupe river trout, Guadalupe Bass, Guadalupe River, Colorado River Texas, white bass, winter fishing

Early December Fishing... So many options!

December 03, 2017  /  Alvin Dedeaux

Like we have been saying the last few fishing reports, here in Texas we are really lucky to have several fishing options in the Fall, and that holds true into the coming Winter months as well. Depending on the weather you can choose between trout fishing or bass, and redfish anytime. However, with the temperatures switching back and forth the way they have been, it's important to be aware of how those changes affect the bite. Understanding how the fish may react to various changes in their environment will help you decide which fish to target based on conditions and how to adjust your technique to improve your chances of getting the bite you are looking for! 

For most of us over here at All Water Guides, this is hands-down our favorite time of year to target big bass. The bass are getting ready for the winter and all sizes are feeding like crazy right now! The varying temperatures lets us fish all types of flies, from poppers and minnows to deep sinking crawfish. If it has been a little chilly over night bass may be holding in deeper holes away from the bank and will eat if the presentation is right. As it warms up the during the day they will probably move toward the banks to warm up and feed on bait fish more aggressively. Several warm days in a row can even lead to some fast action with poppers. Late Fall is setting in with a cold front that is about to hit us the first of this week. Some of us guides will probably pull out the sinking line with a small crawfish early in the day and work it slow, then switch to a floating line with a bigger crawfish when it warms up a bit and give it a bit more action. If you go out with one of our guides these are some of the techniques they will use to put you on the fish. 

Many anglers start thinking about trout this time of year, and the Guadalupe River is the number one destination for Texas trout fishing. Freshly stocked trout can be caught on a variety of attractor patterns. Stripping streamers or floating a nymph below a strike indicator are a couple of preferred methods. The Guadalupe is low and extremely clear right now so the trout spook easily and will become extremely selective as the season progresses. But, trout are being stocked weekly and overall catch rates are expected to increase as the numbers of fish in the water goes up. Light leaders and small flies will be necessary to trick the trout as they become more wary due to increased fishing pressure. As always our guides are on the water daily to stay on top of what is working to put fish in the net. 

And don't forget about the redfish! Captains Alvin Dedeaux and JT Van Zandt are the go-to guides for site casting for redfish on the Texas coast. The fishing is so hot right now that there is not much to say except you gotta try it to believe it! 

 

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports, Fly fishing
tags / Fly Fishing, Texas Trout Fishing, Rainbow Trout, Guadalupe river trout, bass on the fly, Guadalupe Bass, Guadalupe River

Changing Seasons, Changing Fishing Opportunities.

November 11, 2017  /  Alvin Dedeaux

The big cool down in our weather this week reminds us that things are changing for our local fisheries... and changing fast! 

That means it's time to break out the sinking lines and weighted flies for bass fishing. Our favorite bass flies this time of year are weighted crawfish and leech patterns. And, fishing slow and deep will produce the most strikes. Some of our biggest bass are caught between now and the spring spawn! Also, timing your fishing trip can be important this time of year since bass tend to be most active right before a cold front or after several warm days. So keep your eye on the weather report before you head out!

Coastal fishing continues to be good through the fall and winter, and most people consider this to be the best time of year to catch a redfish on a fly. Cooler water temperatures and lower tides can lead to great sight casting opportunities for tailing redfish. What's more exciting than coming around a remote corner in the flats and catching site of a big ole' group of busy, blue tails?! At that moment, the possibilities seem endless...

And last, but definitely not least, late fall in Texas signals the beginning of the highly anticipated trout season. The Texas Parks and Wildlife will begin stocking our local trout stream, the Guadalupe River, starting in December. You can find the stocking schedule here. Scroll down to the Canyon Tailrace to see the schedule for the Guadalupe River. The more effective methods to catch trout on the Guadalupe tends to be nymphing or stripping streamers. Stay tuned to this page for more info on specific patterns as the season gets going. Prime time on the Guadalupe runs mid-December through March, so make sure you set the hook on a guided trip with AWG's this year before our short trout season gets away from you!  

So... time to dust off those waders and the puffy jackets and get out on the water! 

JT Van Zandt with a Colorado River Bass

Chris Koch with a nice Texas Redfish on the fly

Alvin and Grace with a Guadalupe River rainbow trout

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports, Fly fishing
tags / Texas Trout Fishing, Texas fly fishing, Guadalupe river trout, Orvis Endorsed Guides, Rainbow Trout, Guadalupe Bass, Guadalupe River

The ‘not so’ dog days of summer?

August 08, 2017  /  Alvin Dedeaux

Usually about this time of year we are starting to talk about Fall being right around the corner.  Don’t get me wrong, Fall is my absolute favorite time of year to fish but let’s talk about the right now a bit.

So far, the fishing on the Lower Colorado has been absolutely amazing this summer-well relatively absolutely amazing I suppose.  Many years ago, way before All Water Guides, summer time wasn’t so bad.  Sure it was hot as hell, but the fishing kept us engaged with numbers that almost don’t seem real anymore.  Then, the drought set in, and it got bad. Then, bad got worse.  The drought ‘ended’ and we rumbled amongst ourselves about when will it come back around…it has to come back around…right? And slowly it did.  We’ve seen the ‘old river’ through changing windows.  Windows that were inconsistent, confusing and frustrating to us as guides.  Privately, I wondered “what if it never recovers?”

We have had some great fishing over the last few years since the drought. But, the last piece of the puzzle has been the summer time fishing.  It just hasn’t been there for us.  I think we’re seeing that come to an end and we’re seeing the river coming into its own again.  As a paramedic, there is a time after a patient experiences cardiac arrest when we have regained pulses where we just have to sit and watch.  It’s the longest few minutes I can barely explain, and then only to those who have experienced it too. You sit and watch with your hands in your pockets to see if they can hold their own without intervention.  When they do, the tone changes dramatically.  I kind of feel that the summer time fishing has been those few minutes we’ve needed to see if the river can hold its own.  And in these last few weeks we’ve seen a river busting with life, cool clear water and some great fishing.

As I sit and type this, we are coming off some really great time spent on the water.  Some weather moved in yesterday that gave the watershed a good flushing and as always there will be a recovery time, but I’m excited and optimistic about what August and September have in store for us.  The name of the game will be as it has been:  start early and fish hard until the heat has sucked the life out of you.

I know football is less than a month away but from a fishing stand point I’m looking forward to seeing how this summer pans out.

See you on the water.

Winston

 

 

 

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports, Fly fishing
tags / fly fishing, Bass on the fly, Guadalupe Bass, Colorado River

Trout or Bass? We Got That

January 05, 2017  /  Alvin Dedeaux

January in Texas is not like most places. One day can be in the 30s and the next day can be in the 80s. The good thing for us fishermen is that we have good fishing opportunities no matter what the weather does. 

Trout are stocked on the Guadalupe River through January and February. With the current good flows the trout season should continue well into March. Cold and cloudy or rainy days also offer a chance at some of the Guadalupe River Striped Bass. The current state fly rod record Striped Bass was caught in the Guadalupe River by John Erskine one of our guides.

Winter and early spring are one of the best times to catch some large bass on the Colorado River. Both largemouth and Guadalupe bass will be putting on weight in anticipation of the spawn. The current world record Guadalupe bass was caught on the fly in February of 2014 in the Colorado River. Largemouth bass over 5 pounds are a real possibility this time of year as well.

Comment
categories / Fly fishing, Fishing Reports
tags / Guadalupe river trout, Guadalupe Bass, Texas Trout Fishing, Colorado River Texas, Bass on the fly

Fall is Here!

December 09, 2016  /  Alvin Dedeaux

Fall has finally arrived in Central Texas. With the cooler weather come some of the best fishing of the year. Due to a very rainy year, most of our rivers are in better shape than they have been in along time.

Bass fishing has slowed down on most our local streams. The Colorado River is the exception. We are still picking up some nice bass by fishing deep and slow. The Colorado River fishes well all winter, the key is to fish during a warm period. Two or three warm days in a row is all it takes to get the bass in a feeding mood. The numbers of fish caught this time of year will not be as great as the warmer months, but the chance of catching some really large fish is better during this time of year. The current state record Guadalupe Bass was caught in February of 2014 by one of our clients. 

Trout fishing in the Guadalupe River is best from now through March. Unlike the bass on the Colorado, the trout fishing can be good even on the coldest days. Texas Parks and Wildlife and Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited will be stocking the river through February. Cold water flowing from the bottom of Canyon Lake dam creates the southernmost trout fishery in the United States. Like most other tailwater fisheries, strike indicator nymphing is the most productive way to fish the Guadalupe River. Most of the fish in the Guadalupe will be between 12 to 14 inch range. Fish over 20 inches and larger are caught every year.  Bundle up and get out on the water!

 

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports, Fly fishing
tags / Texas Trout Fishing, Colorado River Texas, Bass on the fly, Rainbow Trout, Guadalupe river trout, Guadalupe Bass

Three Rivers, Three Species of Fish, and Three Weeks of Great Fishing

March 21, 2015  /  Alvin Dedeaux

Springtime is always a welcome in the Texas Hill Country — the sites, the sounds, and of course the great fishing. This spring is no different except for the rain that has started to put a dent in this horrible drought that won’t loosen her grip. With the rain have come better flows or as I like to say, “new water” which seems to awaken the fish along with the rivers. Unfortunately, sometime this “new water” takes time to clear up before the fish think about eating streamers. This cycle of good fishing, rain, muddy water, and waiting has taught us to be resourceful and patient.

That resourcefulness paid off because we were able to to incorporate three rivers and three species of fish into three weeks of awesome fishing. While the rains took the Lower Colorado River (LCR) out of commission we focused on species number one: rainbow trout on the Guadalupe River.

The Guadalupe River to fish well with good catches on midge patterns and sucker spawns. The fishing pressure is down so the fish are eating well and in great shape. On weekends we are starting to see the annual “tuber hatch” so planning a trip during the week is the way to go. And if catching trout on the fly isn’t your thing than species number two might interest you: the annual Llano River white bass run is on for the next two to three weeks.

 

So far, every trip to the Llano River has resulted in clients catching double digits of white bass on Clouser Minnows and other assorted minnow patterns. The white bass are leaving the deeper waters of the lower Llano at the mouth of the Colorado River and working their way up to the more wadeable waters upstream. After a rainy start to our March the LCR had cleared up and we were concentrating on species number three: LCR Bass—largemouth and Guadalupe bass.

 

The fishing has been really good on the LCR and we are enjoying fishing with out of town guests visiting Austin for SXSW and spring break. Though the subsurface bite has been good, we are starting to catch increasing numbers of nice bass on top. The big producer on top has been Cohen deer hair divers (www.rusuperfly.com) and assorted foam popper patterns. March and April are two of the best months for fishing the Lower Colorado. We have already caught several largemouth bass over 6 pounds and a near state record Guadalupe Bass.

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports, Fly fishing
tags / bass on the fly, Rainbow Trout, Orvis Endorsed Guides, Colorado River Texas, Guadalupe Bass, Guadalupe river trout, Fly Fishing

Winter in Central Texas

January 22, 2015  /  Alvin Dedeaux

There is no doubt what winter has come to Central Texas. When the mercury drops and the wind blows us fishermen are in serious danger from a case of cabin fever. Fortunately for us we have a some  great options this time of year to get out and catch a few fish. 

The Guadalupe river is the first spot that comes to mind this time of year. The Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout every winter. Texas Parks and Wildlife and Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited both stock the river from November through February.  Most of the fish stocked by TPWD will be in the 8" to 12" range. GRTU stocks larger fish, sometimes up to 20" and larger. The banks of the Guadalupe River are mostly, but there are quite a few access points for wading anglers or those wanting to launch a boat. Rio Guadalupe Resort, Lazy L & L Campground and The Action Angler are a few of my favorites. The nice thing about the Guadalupe this time of year is that no matter how cold and wet it gets you can still fish. The trout are usually more active when the weather is bad and the fishing pressure will be a lot less.  Check out some recent photos below.

If you are looking for some solitude, the Colorado River is the place to be. Bass fishing on the Colorado River is a year round proposition. After a few warm mid winter days the bass will be on the move and feeding. The nice thing about winter fishing on the Colorado is the chance to catch some really big fish. The new world record Guadalupe Bass was caught in the Colorado River in February of 2014. Several Guadalupe Bass over 3 pounds have been caught so far this winter. We have caught some really nice large mouth bass as well. The trick is keeping an eye on the weather. Fishing will be best after several days in the 60s. Fishing will be slowest right after a cold front moves through the area.  While there are miles and miles of great water on the Colorado River, access is limited for paddle craft and wading anglers. The easiest place to access the Colorado River is at Little Webberville Park. Cooks Canoes rents canoes and runs a shuttle service. Some recent Colorado River photos below. 

Of course we are doing full day and half day trips all winter on both the Guadalupe and the Colorado. Drop us a line if you have any questions or if you want to book a guided trip.

1 Comment
categories / Fishing Reports
tags / fly fishing, Texas Trout Fishing, Austin Texas, Rainbow Trout, Orvis Endorsed Guides, Colorado River Texas, Guadalupe river trout, Guadalupe Bass, Large Mouth Bass

It's Hunting Season

December 31, 2013  /  Bonner Armbruster

At least that's what the duck Hunters tell me as I'm backing my boat down to the water this time of year. "good luck" they say as if I'm out there to struggle through this horrible 60 degree winter day. My answer is always "we'll suffer through It". 

 

Typical trips this time of year are full day and we cover around 6- 8 miles depending on what section of the river is fishing best. This time of year you can almost count on not seeing another person all day, if that floats your boat. I will say this - when the water is low and clear and the temperatures warm up to the low 60s, there is no other place on earth I would rather be than the Colorado River. Old growth Poplar and Pecan trees line the banks creating a ribbon of reds, golds and orange.  Mr. Great Blue Heron and always impressive Osprey are always there to greet you with a fly by.

 

There is something special about fishing this river in the fall and winter. Maybe it's the size of the fish averaging around 3 lbs, or maybe it's the pure numbers once you realize you've caught over 15 by lunch time. Or is it the pleasant temperatures that require only a light fleece jacket to stay comfortable all day. In either case the splendor of the fishing can stay with you for months. We at All Water Guides would love to show you what winter "Hunting season" looks like.

 

Cool days and tight lines

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports
tags / Colorado River Texas, Guadalupe Bass, bass on the fly

It’s beginning to not feel like Christmas — and we’re okay with it!

December 19, 2013  /  Alvin Dedeaux

December rang in with a flurry of freezing cold weather, which should have shut down our bass fishing. But in spite of the recent cold weather, the Colorado River fishing is still going strong.

The last few days have been some of the best this fall with clients catching good numbers of quality bass—including white bass over 2 pounds, Guadalupe bass up to 3 pounds and largemouth bass to 5 pounds! The craziest catch of the week was by angler Tyler Reisig who caught a huge (40lb.) Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) that pulled the sledsled around for about 20 minutes.

The water clarity is perfect at about 3-feet and will only get clearer throughrout the winter. Even though the temps have been colder than normal, recent warm weather has the fish turned on to chasing small minnows. Sub-surface patterns like Clouser Minnows and crawfish patterns are the most productive right now. The weather looks good for the rest of this week until the next cold front hits just before Christmas.

If you are thinking about fishing the Colorado River now is the time. And don’t forget, All Water Guide’s gift certificates make the perfect stocking stuffer!

Comment
categories / Fishing Reports
tags / Guadalupe Bass, fly fishing, Bass on the fly, Colorado River Texas

Family and friends coming together to share their love of fishing.

December 01, 2013  /  Alvin Dedeaux

This holiday weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) proved to be very busy and very productive for All Water Guides. Alvin, Shea, Winston, and Jeff were all out on the Colorado River working all weekend and the fishing was nothing short of amazing. The river has been on a steady clearing pattern after recent rains and this combined with a warming trend after the season’s coldest weather has put the bass in the mood to eat.

Small fish, big fish, white bass, largemouths and Guadalupe bass were out in force and and our clients reaped the rewards. Several clients caught multiple species of bass while others caught personal best with the largest fish of the weekend topping the scales at 6 pounds 8 ounces! The one common thread was that every guide and guest noted quantity and quality fish coming to the net.

What's so amazing is the fact that we are bass fishing in late November and early December! As in past winters we were throwing crawfish patterns and classic streamers like Clouser Minnows, which always seem to work well. Additionally, all of us have perfected a number of new crawfish and streamer patterns that all produced well with black, chartreuse and orange/brown being the top producers. This great fishing should continue all winter as long as we maintain our typical Central Texas weather pattern of cold fronts followed by warm days—hopefully without torrential rains.

This holiday weekend was priceless with family and friends coming together to share their love of fishing and the great outdoors with AWG. We enjoyed spending time with all of our guests and are looking forward to a repeat next season. The only folks smiling more than our happy clients are their guides who collectively had a BLAST this weekend and for that we are grateful!

Thanks again from AWG!

Comment
categories / Fly fishing
tags / fly fishing, bass on the fly, Guadalupe Bass

"They pull hard"

April 02, 2013  /  Bonner Armbruster

Good weekend. Between the state flower in full bloom and our state fish the Guadalupe bass in an eating frenzy, it's hard to beat central Texas right now. Many bass to the boat this weekend, heavy orange crayfish seemed to be the ticket.  These things can't eat any more than they do, taking giant flies with live crayfish still in their throats. Lots of bent rods out there right now. Enjoy the Bananza.

​

2 Comments
tags / fly fishing, Colorado River, Guadalupe Bass